'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Over the past few weeks, numerous episodes of WWE SmackDown and RAW have been pre-taped rather than airing live. This led to spoilers being leaked before the shows aired. However, tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown is noteworthy as it marks the first episode of the blue brand in 2025. This has left fans asking: is tonight’s SmackDown live or pre-taped, like some recent shows?
The answer is that the first WWE SmackDown of 2025 will indeed be a live show. This week’s edition will emanate from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, which has a seating capacity of roughly 17,000. As for the show’s preview, a singles non-title match between Andrade and Shinsuke Nakamura has already been announced. The current United States Champion has been embroiled in a feud with Andrade and LA Knight over the past few weeks.
Trending
This match presents Andrade with a chance to gain momentum in this rivalry by pinning the King of Strong Styles in a non-title bout. Additionally, a Women’s Championship match is set to take place as Nia Jax defends her title against Naomi. The Glow, who previously pinned The Irresistible Force in a non-title match, is yet to dethrone her.
A former WWE writer just went after JBL for his comments HERE
As a current ally of Women’s Tag Team Champion Bianca Belair, Naomi’s title opportunity will surely be an intriguing contest. There’s also speculation that Tiffany Stratton might finally cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase, potentially becoming the new Women’s Champion.
Overall, as tonight’s SmackDown kicks off 2025, fans can expect surprises and unexpected twists to make this episode truly memorable. Also, it will be the final show of the Stamford-based promotion before the RAW Netflix debut show which makes things more interesting for tonight's show.
Tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown will have a big change
Tonight's WWE SmackDown will mark the start of a new era as it transitions to a three-hour show. Previously, Friday nights featured only two-hour episodes, but are now moving to three hours. With this, fans can expect more thrilling action and engaging storylines.
One of the prominent storylines on WWE SmackDown is the Kevin Owens-Cody Rhodes saga. The Prizefighter is now set to clash with Cody Rhodes in a rematch at Royal Rumble 2025. With Friday nights adopting a three-hour format, Owens might play a more significant role throughout the show.
Additionally, major segments of the Bloodline saga could also feature prominently in these extended episodes of SmackDown.
